How to Become a Surgical Tech in Utah

The surgical room in Utah is staffed with several personnel ready to respond promptly, especially during emergencies.

This category of professionals includes:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesia specialist
• Surgical nurse
• Surgical technician

Their collaborative efforts extend from the pre-operation phase to the conclusion of the surgery itself.

Furthermore, surgical technicians are known by alternative names such as operation room (OR) techs and scrub techs.

Job Description and Duties of Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists undertake various tasks during their work shifts, including:

• Preparing patients for surgery
• Transporting patients to and from the OR
• Preparing the OR with surgical equipment and supplies
• Monitoring the instrument count throughout surgery
• Handing the surgeon medical instruments
• Closing wounds and bandaging patients

While the above list is not exhaustive, it encompasses the diverse responsibilities of these medical professionals.

Surgical Technologist Training and Education in Utah

Surgical techs operate under the jurisdiction of their employers rather than any specific institution.

Despite this, obtaining a position in this field is not without its challenges, so let’s delve into the process.

The journey to becoming a surgical tech in Utah begins with high school graduation or obtaining a GED.

The subsequent step involves enrolling in a training program tailored for this occupation, emphasizing both education and clinical training.

Several institutions offer such training across Utah, each with slightly different enrollment requirements.

However, they commonly offer classes in:

• Microbiology,
• Pathophysiology,
• Pharmacology,
• Anatomy,
• Physiology,
• Medical terminology

Some institutions also include CPR and/or BLS and/or AED training.

Here are some examples of institutions in Utah offering surgical technologist programs!

Davis Technical College

It provides students with the opportunity to finish a surgical technology certificate program in as little as 10 months.

The current tuition for this program is approximately $4,844.

To be eligible, students need to successfully pass a drug screen and a criminal background check.

Additionally, prior work experience or education in the healthcare field is required, with an emphasis on experience involving some level of patient care.

Dixie State University

It offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in surgical technology, requiring a two-year commitment.

The current tuition and fees for this program amount to $5,832.

Students engage in laboratory demonstrations, incorporating hands-on practice and supervised clinical experiences within authentic patient-care facilities.

Mountainland Technical College

It features a certificate program in surgical technology.

Throughout this program, students delve into the fundamentals of surgical technology, covering topics such as asepsis, microbiology, and infection control.

The current tuition for the program is $3,668, and students can complete the entire program in one year.

Bevill State Community College

The program covers topics such as sterile processing, infection control, sterilization, instrumentation identification, and safety.

Prerequisites for enrollment include:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass the Accuplacer placement exam
• Having previous medical-related experience, if possible
• Have health insurance
• Complete their military service
  • This is not mandatory but it will be taken into consideration

Clinical requirements involve completing at least 120 cases, with a minimum of 30 in General Surgery and 20 in the first scrub role.

Additional criteria for admission include achieving a minimum composite score on the ACT or meeting specific scores on the Accuplacer or ENG 101.

Calhoun Community College

The training program has a duration of around 2 years or 4 semesters, including classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

To be accepted into the program, applicants must:

• Apply online
• Attend a program information session
• Complete a Manual Dexterity Exam
• Meet all the college’s admission requirements

Certification for Surgical Technologists in Utah

While certification is not legally required, employers often prefer certified individuals.

Certifying bodies include:

• National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
  • Provides the Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) qualification
• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • Provides the Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified First Assistant credential
• National Center for Competency Training (NCCT)
  • Provides the Tech in Surgery Certification

The NBSTSA certification is nationally recognized.

The certification exam consists of 200 questions, with a minimum of 119 correct answers required to pass.

Exam fees vary, and certification renewal every 4 years can be achieved by either retaking the exam or completing continuing education credits.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Utah

While this may not be the most glamorous job out there, one should know the potential income should they choose this job.

In Utah, an OR tech can earn about $48,700 per year.

This next table will show you the cities where these employees earn more compared to the rest of the state.

Regional Salary in Utah

Surgical Tech Programs by State